Crossville Police Department extends heartfelt Thank You!

Crossville Police Department Press Release

Thursday, August 10, 2017

The City of Crossville Police Department extends heartfelt Thank You!

The outpouring of support from the civilian and law enforcement community continues to be overwhelming as the members of the Crossville Police Department bid a final farewell to K9 Officer Cain.

CPD K-9 Cain

August 9th, the Crossville Police Department was open for public visitation that brought a steady stream of hundreds of well-wishers.    On Thursday, August 10th, law enforcement and fellow K9 units, from across the state, participated in a memorial procession, which traveled Main Street to the Duer Soccer Complex, where a memorial ceremony was held that included a 21-gun salute and the final radio call for K9 Cain.

The City of Crossville Police Department wishes to extend our deepest appreciation for the enormous showing of support that we have experienced. We wish to thank everyone in attendance at the ceremonies and those that helped organize the events. Thank you to Heritage Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe, GA., for the beautiful gift of the memorial banners, as well as those who submitted the artwork, especially Nicole Pulliam, with the Fallen Hero Project, for her amazing artwork, included on the banners. Thank you to Mike Moser, The Crossville Chronicle, Cumberland County Bank and all who donated and participated in the terrific memorial dinner.

The kindness and generosity of our community, and those who support our officers and mission throughout the country have been incredible! Thank you ALL!

Crossville's CARFAX Advantage Dealer

PARK PLACE MOTORS

Law enforcement procession for K-9 Cain made its way through Crossville

The law enforcement vehicles represented the Crossville Police Department, Cumberland Co. Sheriff's department, Crossville and Cumberland Co. Fire Departments, Cumberland Co. Ambulance department, Fairfield Glade and Lake Tansi Security, Tennessee Highway Patrol, TEMA, Oak Ridge Police department and many more.

The line of emergency vehicles stretched from nearly Genesis Road over Water Tank Hill.  Even in the rain a number of community members stood respectfully showing support as the procession made its way up Main Street heading toward a final ceremony at the city's Duer Soccer Complex.

Photos from the visitation and memorial for Crossville Police K-9 Cain

The public and city officials came out Wednesday night to honor Crossville Police K-9 Cain and his handler Lt. Bart Riden.

There were tears, stories and other recognition of the first police dog the Crossville Police Department lost in the line of duty.  Lt. Riden, who had worked with Cain for some time received hugs and handshakes and there was a table full of items the public had created to commemorate the animal's sacrifice.

The receiving line included all ages.

A police honor guard for Cain's ashes.

Many visitors wore commemorative shirts. 

A display provided by a company in

Georgia after they heard about the

dog became a giant sympathy card.

The popular painted rocks filled a table

with other remembrances in the lobby.

Even the UT Veterinary Medical Clinic

that tried to save Cain sent flowers.

Jim Young Reporter is sponsored by

PARK PLACE MOTORS

Crossville Police Officer who lost K-9 partner recognized at council meeting.

Crossville Police officer Lt. Bart Riden was recognized at last night's city council meeting over the loss of his K-9 partner Cain last week.

Crossville police chief David Beaty told the council that the community and police departments across the country were responding with sympathy messages and cards. “It was a tragic loss to lose that extension of out department,” said Beaty, and the extension to Lt. Riden's family.”

Lt. Riden was presented with a framed picture of his K-9 partner Cain.

Crossville Police Lt. Bart Riden, left, was recognized at

the August city council meeting and presented with

a photo of his K-9 partner Cain who was killed in the

line of duty August 2, 2017.  

Chief Beaty thanked a list of those who helped including the Upper Cumberland Veterinary Clinic, UT Veterinarians, Deputy Fire Chief Chris South, city manager Greg Wood, Billy Loggins and Mikki's Frame Shop. Beaty also advised the council of the events this week including the visitation Wednesday evening August 9 from 5 to 8 PM at the police department headquarters, the motorcade up Main Street on Thursday August 10 and what he described as “similar to a graveside service” at the Duer Soccer Complex.

Lt. Riden spoke and said he wanted to thank everyone for their support. He added the community support has been amazing, “There's times you get to thinking nobody really cares about what you do. They've shown here that they really do.”

K-9 Cain's name on Lt. Riden's police cruiser.

Riden told the council he was in the middle of remodeling his house and he can't go shop because people constantly want to stop him and give him a hug or shake hands and he doesn't know who they are. “It's really been amazing and proves that Crossville is a great place to be,” added Riden.

Chief Beaty summed up the comments saying that Cain had done what he was trained to do and Lt. Riden or any other officer wasn't injured in the incident.  

Following the discussion, councilman Danny Wyatt made a motion to name the city's dog park in memory of K-9 Cain.  Wyatt said no name had yet been chosen for the park.  Councilman J. H. Graham seconded the Motion and it passed unanimously.

PARK PLACE MOTORS:

Your Crossville CARFAX Advantage Dealer!

Man charged in death of police dog remains in jail. Next court appearance set for September 7.

Dustin L. Dixon, 28, facing numerous charges in connection to the incident that resulted in the death of Crossville Police dog K-9 Cain was back in General Sessions court before Judge Larry Warner on Monday August 7.  

Charges Dixon faces includes the intentional killing of a domestic animal, felony aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, evading arrest, felony theft of property and driving under the influence. 

Dixon remains held in Cumberland County Justice Center under $246,000 bond and the bond remains at that amount following a request from the District Attorney's office.  Warner appointed Dixon to be defended by the public defender and set his next court date for September 7, 2017.

Dustin Dixon waits in Cumberland Co. 

general sessions court for  his appearance before 

the Judge Larry Warner this morning.

Impending bad weather forces changes to planned K-9 Cain memorial

(Editor's note: This is the latest official word from the Crossville Police Department.  Please follow these instructions not information from previous stories.  If there are any changes they will be shared as soon as possible.)

Impending inclement weather conditions force the City of Crossville Police Department to announce a few changes to the August 10th, 2017 Memorial Ceremony for K9 Cain.

On Wednesday, August 9, 2017, from 5pm to 8pm CST, the Crossville Police Department will host an indoor Memorial Visitation, honoring K9 Cain and Lt. Bart Riden, at the Crossville Police Department, 99 Municipal Avenue. There will not be enough room at the soccer complex, the following day, for all visitors to be in, out of the rain.

We will continue to extend an invitation to all first responders and the media only, to join us for a memorial service at the Duer Soccer Complex on Thursday, August 10th at 11:30am. There will be very limited space in the tent, provided by Tri-County Rental, for a large crowd to be protected from the elements. We still request that all media outlets arrive and set-up at the soccer complex a minimum of 30 minutes prior, in order to facilitate the orderly placement of recording equipment. (You may want to bring additional umbrellas or canopies.)

PARK PLACE MOTORS

There will still be a memorial funeral procession traveling north from Central Baptist Church, 1346 S. Main St, Crossville, TN 38555 at approximately 11:00am. We ask that participation in this procession be restricted to law enforcement / first responders only, who should arrive at 10:30am for staging. The procession will be traveling North on Main Street / US Hwy 127 to the Duer Soccer Complex, arriving for the ceremony at approximately 11:30am. Anyone who wishes to show their final respects and support for K9 Cain are asked to legally line the sides of Main Street and Hwy 127 N, as the procession passes.

Public Encouraged to line procession route Thursday to honor K-9 Cain killed in the line of duty.

PLEASE SEE UPDATED INFO ON THIS PROGRAM AT THIS LINK.

With a procession planned to memorialize the Crossville Police dog K-9 Cain who was killed in the line of duty Wednesday August 2nd planned for Thursday August 10, the public is encouraged to line the route from Central Baptist Church north on Highway 127/Main Street to Crossroads Drive to pay their respects. The memorial service will be held at the Duer Soccer complex but there is limited parking at that location and with the large number of law enforcement representatives and media expected it will be difficult to accommodate everyone at that location.

K-9 Cain during National Night Out last fall

Those wishing to line the procession route are encouraged to wear blue and bring US or Tennessee flags. The procession is scheduled to leave Central Baptist Church at around 11:30 AM and head north on Highway 127 through downtown Crossville then out the four lane before turning off on Crossroads Drive to the soccer complex.

Park Place Motors

Crossville Police Department speaks to donations for K-9 operation and vests

CPD dogs are equipped with vests. 

The City of Crossville Police Department has been made aware of various funding accounts that have been created since the recent passing of K9 Cain. The heartfelt community support is very much appreciated. We would like to thank our caring community who have established these funding accounts.

The City of Crossville does provide all of the resources for the Police Department to fund the needs for our K9 division. All of our K9 patrol vehicles are equipped with specialized K9 transportation cages, with auxiliary cooling systems in place. Additionally, our canines are currently equipped with ballistic protective vests, purchased new, 1 year ago, that will last until 2021. The vests, K-9 Ballistic Vest - Level II Ballistic Package, are N.I.J. Certified Level II ballistic vests, and are the lightest and most flexible Level II ballistic vests on the market. Although the ballistic vests are very advanced, they can restrict the breathing and movement of an active working canine.

One major issue with a canine ballistic vest is the animal’s inability to dissipate the heat generated while wearing protective equipment, for extended periods. Unlike their handlers, who can release excess heat via perspiration, the canines, with their thick fur coats, can suffer heat exhaustion with extended use. Therefore, our handlers are trained to initiate the use of the K9 vest prior to the K9 entering any area where there is a known armed suspect, such as a S.W.A.T.-type of action, just like their human partners. This is especially important for our high Tennessee summer temperatures. Unfortunately, not every situation can be anticipated or prevented.

Any funds received, from any member of the public, for a memorial fund will be applied to the purchase of a memorial monument, which will be prominently displayed to reflect the courage and sacrifice of all of our fallen Heroes, including K9 Cain.

Photos of K-9 Cain with his handler Lt. Bart Riden at National Night Out event last October

During the Crossville police department's National Night Event last October, there were many displays and numerous demonstrations for the public to see and participate in.

One popular demonstration was some practice featuring the department's K-9 officers.  The following photos include CPD Lt. Bart Riden who was the handler and partner of K-9 Cain who was killed in the line of duty this week, K-9 Cain and Sgt. Dustin Lester wearing the dog protection suit.